Some instruments are already school owned- Oboe, Bassoon, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba. These instruments have a $100 annual fee paid to FISD. If your child plays one of these instruments Financial aid can help cover this annual fee.

Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, & Percussion are instruments that are usually rented through a music store. Staley does own a small inventory of these instruments and can help IF the instrument inventory is available. All families should research instruments and rental prices at the local music stores before considering using a school owned instrument. These instruments are primarily reserved for students who could not be in band unless they have assistance.

Supply Assistance includes anything related to your band or instrument supply needs.

Families who mark this on the application should consider how much they can pay towards supplies. The SMSBPA will provide all supplies and we ask that families help cover as much as they can so we can provide for more families who might need assistance.

Private Lesson Scholarships are available to help REDUCE the cost of private lessons.

The current FISD set rate for private lessons are $18 for 30 minutes of instruction, but can lower that cost to $6 by signing up for DUET LESSONS- more information found on the private lesson page (click here).

Band Fee Assistance or Payment Plan is for families who want to reduce or break down the required band fee at the start of the school year. Current band fees range from $20 to $70 depending on which group you are in.

How do I apply?Applications are available at the start of each semester. There is a form you will need to fill out and return to the band hall or front office. You can access the form by clicking the blue button at the top of this page or by clicking here.

Can I apply after the deadline? Yes, you can apply after the deadline. Depending on how many applicants, the boosters can allow late entries into the program. If the SMSBPA budget for scholarships have already been awarded we will be unable to review your application. Note that we want to help everyone continue in music- we have never had to turn anyone away without offering some type of assistance!

How will I find out if I received financial aid?After your application is reviewed you will receive a notification letter detailing the amount of aid you have been approved for and how many hours you will need to complete in the Band Hall Hero program. In many cases you will also be asked to return the form with payment based on how you filled out your application. Once the notification (an any payment) is returned you are ready to begin working for Band Hall Heroes and earning credit to 'pay off' your aid.

Do I get to take an instrument home?Yes- if approved, the instrument checked out to you is considered 'yours' until the end of the school year. Because of this you will also be responsible for any repairs or damage that happens to the instrument while in your care.

Does our family have to spend money this year?We are committed to making band a possibility for every family, no matter how great the need. We do ask families to purchase what they can and let us know what they cannot provide. We have many families that take advantage of our financial aid program and need all families to purchase what they can to allow for more assistance to others. If the need is great enough, we can make band completely free, but usually families are able to purchase some items.

Do students have to work if they receive financial aid?Yes, all students receiving financial aid are automatically enrolled in our work program, Band Hall Heroes. All tasks are supervised by the band staff and consist mainly of filing and other office related tasks. No money changes hands as students receive punches on their card. Each punch represents 30 minutes of work. Students earn credit at $5 per half hour or $10 per hour worked!

What happens if I lose a school tuner or other supplies that I have to turn back in?Students are responsible for any supply that is checked out to them. The most common item borrowed by students are tuners ($30) and tuner cords ($6). Students who damage or lose any supply during the school year will need to replace them before having grades released at the end of the school year.

What are the ways we can lose our financial aid?There are multiple ways to lose financial aid. We will set up a conference before taking any action and will only terminate aid if absolutely necessary. Below are the most common ways to have financial aid revoked.

Receiving a private lesson scholarship and NOT setting up lessons within two weeks of notification.

Not fulfilling HALF of your required BHH hours by the end of the first semester in December.

Losing or damaging supplies or instruments and not replacing or repairing them.

Not taking care of items checked out to you while enrolled int he program.

Consistently NOT taking your instrument home and practicing or not improving as a student and musician.